Fewer farmers, but food is flying
In that half century industry and services became more central to the commercial life of the country.
From the perspective of on-farm numbers, the figure has been in constant decline despite EU supports.
The statistics tell a dramatic story. However, the sector remains vibrant and accounted for over €7 billion of export sales last year, despite intense international competition.
Further progress is expected and the number of dedicated food companies carving out market niches continues to grow.
Ironically, the success of the food sector is not mirrored inside the farm gate where the toll on the farming community continues.
Within ten years the number of full-time commercial farmers mainly in the dairy sector may be down to 15,000 with a further 25,000-to-35,000 part-time farmers continuing to generate more than half or more of their income from beef.
Dairy farmers will be located predominantly in south-east Munster or South Leinster with beef production located in the midlands or the west.
The move to more intensive farming to beat the absence of subsidies has implications too for the west of Ireland where poor land and small holdings have become increasingly marginalised.
Two leading authorities, Profr Liam Downey, former head of Teagasc, and Dr Gordon Purvis of Trinity College, warned in a recent study ('Building a Knowledge Based Multifunctional Economy & Rural Environment) that the demise of the west would cause "major environmental and socio-economic problems" if the fall-out from the ongoing reform isn't tackled vigorously.
They conclude that the "face of rural Ireland will be fundamentally changed in the coming decade and trying to get to grips with the reform facing us will be a major national challenge".
Farming will be more intensive and increasingly agriculture and food processing will converge in the more productive farming regions. Small farmers will continue to be forced out of the system.
To an extent the cold statistics belie the critical importance of the sector to the economy and Irish food and drinks exports continue to win market share in very tough markets overseas.
Irish food, drink and horticulture exports grew in value by 3% to €7.17 billion despite key challenges, including adverse currency movements. To put that in context the figure accounts for over 55% of exports from indigenous companies.
With the appreciation of the euro against the US dollar and sterling, the industry had to face a more competitive environment shaped by retailer consolidation, retail food price deflation and product competition.
The most significant growth sectors in 2004, in terms of value of exports, were prepared foods, dairy products and ingredients and beef, with the sterling and euro currency areas accounting for over two-thirds of exports.
Taking into account the movement of the euro against the dollar and sterling, the underlying growth in food and drinks exports in 2004 was 5%.
Aidan Cotter, chief executive of Bord Bia, in the group's last annual report, noted the challenges facing the sector.
The increase in exports is testament to the ability of Irish companies to innovate and create new products to meet consumer and retailer demand.
"With CAP reform increasing the focus on the marketplace from 2005, the food industry is facing into a defining period in its development. This coupled with short-term adverse exchange rate movements and increased competition will pose considerable challenges," said Mr Cotter.
Those challenges were highlighted recently by Kerry Group, and indeed by Glanbia. Chilled foods were hard hit as retailers put pressure on processors to cut prices and, as that trend continues, farmers will come under more pressure to produce at even more competitive prices.
